Around 6:30 a.m., the FAA - the American Federal Aviation Administration - announced that it was lifting the ban on flights to Israel. It is unclear what caused the lifting of the directive, whether the transfer of information regarding the diversion arrangements at Ben Gurion Airport, or the understanding in the White House that this type of pressure would not influence Israel to reach a ceasefire. The announcement stated that the ban began following a rocket landing one and a half kilometers from the airport.
It is unclear what European airlines will do, especially since the recommendation not to land in Israel remains in effect. The first flights from the United States are expected to land at Ben Gurion Airport this evening.
By this morning, and despite Israel announcing that it would open the 'Uvda' airport in the Negev to international flights from countries that are afraid to land at Ben Gurion Airport, the FAA announced the extension of the flight ban to Israel for another 24 hours.
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• Alternative to Ben Gurion Airport: Ovda Airport to Open for International Flights
As you may recall, after the US State Department issued a travel warning for Israel, and after a rocket exploded less than two kilometers from Ben Gurion Airport, the FAA ordered American airlines flying to Israel to cancel their flights to the country.
Following the Americans, the European administration announced that it "strongly recommends" not operating flights to Israel. All European companies, except British Airways, announced that they were canceling regular flights to Israel. Planes that were on their way to land were turned back, and about 4,000 Israelis were stranded in Turkey without the ability to return to their country.
Following the situation, Arkia decided to increase the number of flights to Cyprus, and as of today, it is possible to reach Israel via El Al, Russia, England, and Cyprus.
The European companies announced last night that they will consider suspending flights within 48 hours, meaning tomorrow. Russia announced that its planes are flying to Israel.
Hamas is using the FAA directive to paint a picture of victory, according to which they succeeded in "closing" the skies over Israel.
